Montgomery County rounds up 'bandit' signs

Published 3:21 pm, Tuesday, August 25, 2015

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Bandit signs - the temporary posters that are often seen displayed along the road advertising things like real estate open houses or garage sales - are banned in Montgomery County right of way, as well as by The Woodlands Township covenants. Under county law, which is backed by state law also prohibiting bandit signs, violators commit a Class C Misdemeanor and can be fined up to $500. less

Bandit signs - the temporary posters that are often seen displayed along the road advertising things like real estate open houses or garage sales - are banned in Montgomery County right of way, as well as by ... more

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Bandit signs - the temporary posters that are often seen displayed along the road advertising things like real estate open houses or garage sales - are banned in Montgomery County right of way, as well as by The Woodlands Township covenants. Under county law, which is backed by state law also prohibiting bandit signs, violators commit a Class C Misdemeanor and can be fined up to $500. less

Bandit signs - the temporary posters that are often seen displayed along the road advertising things like real estate open houses or garage sales - are banned in Montgomery County right of way, as well as by ... more

Montgomery County rounds up 'bandit' signs

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Some medians and intersections in Montgomery County Precinct 3 may seem clearer than usual this week, after county officials made one of their annual bandit sign sweeps, collecting and disposing of more than 120 signs last weekend.

Bandit signs - the temporary posters that are often seen displayed along the road advertising things like real estate open houses or garage sales - are banned in Montgomery County right of way, as well as by The Woodlands Township covenants. Under county law - which is backed by state law also prohibiting bandit signs - violators commit a Class C Misdemeanor and can be fined up to $500.

The ban on signs has proved controversial, especially among real estate agents, who say that losing the ability to advertise open houses by putting the signs in places people can see them hurts their business and frustrates home buyers and sellers alike.

In October of last year, nine local real estate agents spoke at a meeting of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, arguing in favor of allowing the open house signs, even with regulations.

David Boatner, president and chief executive officer of Connect Realty, which is headquartered in The Woodlands but sells in 14 states and 100 markets, said that Montgomery County is one of the few markets he sells in that does not allow the open house signs.

"Most people don't have a map," said Scott von Goten, a realtor with Connect Realty. "When they come to this fair township, we want them to be effective in finding a home."

Other realtors cited discrimination, since new developers and builders are allowed to display semi-permanent signs advertising new neighborhoods and model homes, while older homes in established neighborhoods are only allowed one open house sign on the property on the day of the event.

According to Matt Beasley, project manager for Precinct 3, the main offenders are along Rayford and Sawdust roads and FM 2978. Beasley said the county always has the right to dispose of bandit signs, but coordinates a big purging of the precinct two or three times a year. This round, in addition to real estate signs, the county tossed posters advertising a home and garden show, a church service and registration for baseball teams, as well as dozens of sturdier, wooden signs advertising businesses. The signs deemed worth more than $25 can be reclaimed by the owner, given any fines are paid.

"I haven't personally heard from anyone advocating for the signs," Beasley said. "People call in all the time saying (the signs) hinder their view and sight distance."